Apr 18, 2025  
2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog

Music Major, B.A. (Composition Concentration)


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Department Information


Department of Music
PO Box 70661
Phone (423) 439-4270
Web Address: www.etsu.edu/cas/music

The Department of Music at East Tennessee State University was established in 1946. The University is a fully accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Music. The Department offers the Bachelor of Music with concentrations in performance and music education and the Bachelor of Arts with concentrations in Commercial Music, Composition, Music History, and Performance. The Department of Music is a vibrant community of students and faculty committed to the highest level of musical artistry and academic achievement.

Admission Requirements

Any student applying to major or minor in music at both the undergraduate and graduate levels must first meet the general university admission requirements. Once admitted to the university, the student must audition for admission to the music degree program. Auditions are held on announced dates during the academic year and may also be scheduled by appointment. Undergraduate auditions may be performed via recording if the student lives more than 150 miles from campus. 

Students will be notified of their acceptance or denial to be a music major in the Department of Music within ten business days of the audition. If accepted, an academic advisor will assist the student in determining courses to be taken to begin the program of study. Students who are denied acceptance may still register for applied music lessons and for ensembles. Students who are denied acceptance may audition again, but no more than once per calendar year. A student who is denied acceptance three times is no longer eligible to audition.

Students who are accepted for admission to the music or jazz studies minor programs must declare that minor prior to reaching 60 credits of coursework to ensure that the program of study can be completed before graduation.

For complete information about auditions see the department web page: www.etsu.edu/cas/music

Undergraduate Music Theory and Aural Skills Diagnostic Exam

Before a student begins a music degree, they will take the Music Theory and Aural Skills Diagnostic Exam. Students must score a minimum of 85% on the exam, or they must take MUSC 1100 - Music Fundamentals  prior to enrollment in MUSC 1300 - Theory & Aural Skills I . Students who meet or exceed the 85% minimum are clear to enroll directly in MUSC 1300 

Progression Policy: Applied Music

Music majors must register for applied music courses (private instruction) in their major area of performance as part of their degree programs. Students may advance in applied music course levels (1, 2, 3) through the successful completion of the level advancement process assigned by faculty as part of the courses. Students must spend a minimum of two semesters of study at each level before attempting level advancement. Students may not exceed four semesters at level 1 and six semesters at level 2. Students who advance to level 3 may continue to enroll indefinitely. Additional course fees will apply for Applied Music courses.

Transfer Students
Students transferring to East Tennessee State University from another college or university are required to take an audition. Student transcripts will be reviewed prior to acceptance into the Department of Music.

Advising
Students wishing more information regarding the Department of Music or wanting to be advised, can contact us at:
(423) 439-4270
or email us at music@etsu.edu
or visit www.etsu.edu/music

Degree Requirements: 120 credits


Compass Core Curriculum

40-43 credits
Major Total Requirements 70 credits
   Major Core      26 credits
   Concentration      44 credits
   Recital Attendance  
   Sight Reading  
   Composition Portfolio  
Foreign Language 3 credits
Free Electives 4-7 credits
TOTAL 120 credits

Suggested Four-Year Program of Study: MUSC-BA (TCMU)  

Grade Requirements: Students must achieve a C- or higher in all Bachelor of Arts music core classes.

College of Arts and Sciences : Visit link to view the complete list of B.A. degree requirements.

  • Completion of a foreign language course numbered 2020 or above with a grade of C- or better. Students may be required to take courses numbered 1010, 1020 and/or 2010 based on a placement test or equivalent.


Compass Core Curriculum  

These requirements include earning 40-43 credits in Strengthening Foundations, Understanding Natural and Social Worlds, Exploring Connections, Cultivate Artistic Awareness, and Growing as an Individual and Global Citizen categories.

Major Specific courses listed in Compass Core Curriculum Requirements:

Specific Course Grade Requirements:

Course Grade
MUSC 2300 - Theory & Aural Skills III   C
MUSC 2420 - Theory and Analysis IV   C
MUSC 3370 - Composition I   B
MUSC 3380 - Composition II   B
MUSC 1861 - Applied Composition Level I   B
MUSC 2961 - Applied Composition Level II   B
MUSC 4600 - Orchestration and Arranging   B

 

Total Requirements for Music Major: 70 credits


Applied Composition (12 credits)


Take 2 credits per semester for 6 semesters. At least 1 semester must be at Level III.

Major Ensemble (8 credits)


Take 1 credit per semester for 8 semesters.

Non-Course Requirements


Sight Reading
Students in the B.A. Composition concentration must successfully pass a sight reading proficiency examination. The examination will be administered by the applied faculty as a part of the requirements for applied level advancement from applied level I to II. The examination may be administered at the time of the level advancement performance jury or scheduled separately.

Composition Portfolio
Students in the B.A. Composition concentration must demonstrate their compositional skills through the compilation of a cumulative portfolio. Students must be enrolled in applied composition Level III in order to complete this graduation requirement. The specific criteria will be provided to the student by the applied teacher. A committee of faculty will review the portfolio to determine satisfactory completion.

*Recital Attendance
As a music major it is important to experience a variety of musical performances in different genres, styles, and forces. In order to ensure this occurs during the student’s program of study,
the ETSU Department of Music requires all music majors to attend the following music recitals (concerts/performances). This is a standard requirement for universities accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music. To track attendance at these events, music majors are required to enroll in MUSC 1111 - Recital Attendance  every semester. This is a zero credit class graded as pass/fail.

Free Electives: 4-7 credits


No Minor Required


Major Field Test


A major field test is required for graduating students. Please see advisor for more information.

Additional Information


Click here to view Degree and Graduation Requirements  for all ETSU students.

CSCI 1100  or Proficiency exam: Must be completed to meet Bachelor’s Degree Requirements. CSCI 1100  has a required lab course, CSCI 1150 .

Most minors range from 18-24 credits. Those few minors with more than 24 credits may affect the number of free electives allowed.

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